Saturday, October 17, 2009

If you're not following our Special Contributor, Yvette Quantz, on twitter check her out....every once in a while she tweets special "Foodspirations." Here's a collection of some of her more recent entries:By Yvette Quantz

Hi Everyone! I hope you had a great week. I know I enjoyed my time off, I completed my first marathon and crossing the finish line was an incredible feeling. Then I celebrated my 30th birthday! I think the best part of it all was knowing how if you set your mind to a goal, write it down, and just go for it you can do it. Today I would like for you to think about a goal you want to set. Write it down. Now go for it! Have a great week!

* Increase your nutrient profile by eating a different colored fruit or vegetable at each meal and snack.

* Looking to socialize this weekend with friends and family? Try getting together for a walk, run, or bike ride - instead of traditional feasting!

* Tailgaiting this weekend? Switch from Regular Beer to Beck's Light = save 100 calories per beer! Remember simply cutting 100 calories a day = 10 pounds over the course of a year!

* Today challenge yourself to park in the furthest parking spot from your destination. Running late for a meeting? Well this will just make you move a little faster to get there :)

* To increase vegetable intake, try pre-cutting your favorites and storing in some water in a container in the fridge. The water will help hold in their crispness and having them prepared and chopped in advance will make it much easier to munch on when you get hungry for a snack.

* Did you know being sleep deprived can actually hinder your weight loss efforts? This weekend try and catch up on some zzz's!

* Challenge yourself with a personal push - up challenge. Get into the push up position (either on your toes, knees, or supported against the wall) and see how many push ups you can do. Write the number down and in 4 - 6 weeks I will suggest another push up challenge. If you work at it the change in what you can do will be amazing!

* Did you know that your body is made of about 70% water? Have you hydrated yourself today? If not it's not too late - go now and drink up!

* Increasing your daily fiber intake to the recommended 20 - 35 grams per day not only helps control hunger levels but also helps regulate your blood sugar, decrease total cholesterol and decrease risk for corectol cancer.

* Try incorporating some interval training into your workout routine. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, interval training is the perfect mix to push you to the next level.

Yvette Quantz is a well respected Lifestyle and Sports Nutritionist based in Lafayette, Louisiana. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, Louisiana Dietetic Association, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionist, Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Nutrition and Complimentary Care, and a Certified Eating Coach. You can visit her website at: http://www.foodtherapyonline.com/